We came to stay: U.S. Defense Secretary

The U.S. Defense Secretary, Robert Gates, says the U.S. is planning to have troops based in Iraq for the long-term. Speaking to the Pacific Command in Honululu, he pointed to the U.S. presence in South Korea as an example.

America's military contingent has been there since the Korean War, which ended in 1953.

Mr Gates also confirmed there will be an assessment of the so-called “surge” strategy for Iraq in September, despite the second most senior General in Iraq saying it may come too early.